Prince Harry is counting down the days until the 2025 Invictus Games — and now fans can too!
“The Invictus movement started back in 2014,” Harry, 40, said during an appearance on TSN as part of a new promotional video for the upcoming event. “It’s a sporting platform used for the rehabilitation and support for wounded soldiers, both serving and veteran.”
He explained, “It’s really an opportunity for the individuals themselves and their families to heal and rehabilitate through sport.”
Harry, who founded the Invictus Games 10 years ago, made a special appearance at the 2024 Grey Cup Festival in Vancouver earlier this month, which is where the interview was recorded. As the prince spoke about the special event, football players from the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers warmed up in the background.
Prince Harry Ethan Cairns/Getty Images
“This time in less than three months we’ll be back here for the opening ceremony in February,” Harry said while sitting beside Invictus Games competitor Wen Nie. “So, that’s what we’re really excited about.”
The video then pivoted to Harry meeting with locals in the Vancouver and Whistler areas, which is where the 2025 games will take place.
He was gifted handmade items from the indigenous people in the region, including a woven tapestry. Harry, meanwhile, handed out Invictus Games’ fanny packs to the youth and smiled for photos with the group.
Prince Harry made a special trip to the Musqueam Indian Reserve during a recent trip to Vancouver. The Duke of Sussex traveled to Canada in support of the forthcoming 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. During his visit, Chief Wayne Sparrow welcomed Harry, 40, to the Musqueam Nation’s Little House and met with three other […]
Elsewhere in the video, Harry can be seen laughing and playing volleyball with kids using a beach ball at an Invictus Games event in Canada in support of the upcoming military-based week.
“Meeting the kids today, seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider,” Harry said during a speech at the local outing. “Outside of the Invictus community into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world.”
Prince Harry Rich Lam/Getty Images
He then described how important it is for others to support the military, past and present throughout the world.
“Imagine what it’s like for these individuals for the challenges that they’ve overcome to be amongst team members again wearing the same [uniform]. Wearing their flag on their chest or on their arm,” Harry told the kids and their parents in attendance. “Coming out into a stadium full of tens of thousands of people cheering for them.”
UPDATE 11/19/24 at 1:49 p.m. ET. Jelly Roll hilariously left a lasting mark on Prince Harry. In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, November 19, Harry was seen sitting inside a tattoo parlor waiting for Tennessee singer and rapper Jelly Roll to arrive. Once the musician entered the room, Harry quickly noticed Jelly Roll was […]
The royal added: “Ultimately, it’s the crowd. It’s the audience. It’s all of us that provide the atmosphere for them. We’ll see you in 82 days!”
Harry celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games earlier this year. The most recent games took place in Germany last year and the 2025 event will take place in both Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, from February 8 to February 16.
To promote the next round of events — all of which are catered to wounded, injured and sick military personnel — Harry teamed up with country singer Jelly Roll for a special video.
Prince Harry has remained dedicated to the military following his retirement from the British Royal Army in 2015. The Duke of Sussex is one of many members of the British royal family to serve their country throughout history. Harry was part of the armed forces for 10 years with his service beginning in 2005. One […]
“We’re giving you a tattoo about the Invictus Games,” Jelly Roll, 39, told the Duke of Sussex in a video shared via Instagram on Tuesday, November 19, to which Harry clarified, “Uh, no I came here to ask you to do the Invictus Games. There’s no tattoo in this. I can’t get a tattoo.”
The duo agreed that Jelly Roll, who has a bunch of tattoos, could give Harry his first tattoo in exchange for the artist agreeing to perform at the Invictus Games. The twosome eventually settled on Harry’s neck for the ink.
“What’s that?” Harry exclaimed after seeing the finished product in the mirror. “Dude, it’s enormous.” The camera zoomed in on a tattoo that read, “I am Jelly Roll.” When Harry questioned his choice, Jelly Roll quickly exited the room.